Terms & conditions
This auction is conducted by Charles Miller Ltd in accordance with our Conditions of Business as reproduced below and printed in the back of the auction catalogue.
Important Information for Buyers
All lots are offered subject to Charles Miller Ltd's Conditions of Business and to reserves. The Conditions of Business for Buyers, are published at the end of the printed catalogue.
Estimates are published as a guide only and are subject to review. The actual hammer price of a lot may well be higher or lower than the range of figures given and there are no fixed "starting prices".
A Buyer's Premium of 20% is applicable to all lots in this sale. The Buyer's Premium is subject to VAT at the standard rate (currently 20%). Unless otherwise indicated lots are offered for sale under the auctioneer's margin scheme and VAT on the Buyer's Premium is payable by all buyers.
Lots marked with the symbol ‡ have been imported from outside the European Union (EU) to be sold at auction under Temporary Import Rules. When released to buyers within the EU, including the UK, the buyer will become the importer and must pay VAT at the rate of 5% on the hammer price and 20% on the Buyer's premium. Buyers outside the EU will normally be eligible to obtain a refund in respect of temporary import VAT, upon satisfactory documentary evidence of exportation. Further information on this matter is available on request.
Charles Miller Ltd will be pleased to execute bids on behalf of those clients unable to attend the sale in person, subject to our Conditions of Business. All bids must be signed and submitted in writing in good time and lots will always be purchased as cheaply as possible (depending on any other bids received, reserves and competition in the saleroom). This service is offered free of charge.
Charles Miller Ltd can supply quotations for shipping of purchases, including transit insurance and will assist in the application for any export licenses which may be required. Buyers are reminded that it is their responsibility to comply with UK export regulations and with any local import requirements.
We have yet to identify any shipper that can export/import ivory - of any shape or type, including marine - through U.S. Custom authorities. These authorities are presently unable to determine age or type and require DNA testing to prove it is not banned African elephant ivory.
Charles Miller Ltd would also be unable to post to the U.S.A. any items containing ivory.
Consequently at the present time, any shipping (after settlement of our invoice) would be entirely at the buyer's own risk. At the very least long delays may be expected U.S. side, and in the worst instance lots could be destroyed.
Payment
Payment is due in sterling at the conclusion of the sale and before purchases can be released. Please note that we require seven days to clear sterling cheques unless special arrangements have been made in advance of the sale. We are pleased to accept major credit cards (regrettably we are unable to accept American Express), for which a surcharge will be made of 4% of the transaction total. There is no charge for payments made by UK debit card. Cash and Credit card payments above £6,000 will not be accepted without prior arrangement.
Electronic transfers may be sent directly to our Bank:
HSBC Bank Plc
38 High Street
Dartford
Kent
DA1 1DG
IBAN No.: GB47MIDL40190401754750
BIC.: MIDLGB2128K
Sort Code: 40-19-04
Account No.: 01754750
Account Name.: Charles Miller Ltd
VAT Reg. No.: GB 928 5771 81
Storage
On receipt of cleared funds, lots can be collected from the Saleroom during the auction or immediately after its completion. Thereafter, all purchased lots will be stored at Charles Miller Ltd's premises for a period of one month prior to transfer to a third party for storage. A transfer fee of £10 per lot plus all incurred transfer and storage costs due to the third party will be payable prior to release. Please note that collection is BY APPOINTMENT on +44 (0) 207 806 5530.
Charles Miller Ltd's Authenticity Guarantee
If Charles Miller Ltd sells an item of Property which is later shown to be a "Counterfeit", subject to the terms below, Charles Miller Ltd will rescind the sale and refund the Buyer the total amount paid by the Buyer to Charles Miller Ltd for that Property, up to a maximum of the Purchase Price.
The Guarantee lasts for one (1) year after the date of the relevant auction, is for the benefit of the Buyer only and is non-transferable.
"Counterfeit" means an item of Property that in Charles Miller Ltd's reasonable opinion is an imitation created with the intent to deceive over the authorship, origin, date, age, period, culture or source, where the correct description of such matters is not included in the catalogue description for the Property.
Property shall not be considered Counterfeit solely because of any damage and/or restoration and/or modification work (including, but not limited to, recolouring, tooling or repatinating).
Please note that this Guarantee does not apply if either:-
(i) the catalogue description was in accordance with the generally accepted opinions of scholars and experts at the date of the sale, or the catalogue description indicated that there was a conflict of such opinions; or
(ii) the only method of establishing at the date of the sale that the item was a Counterfeit would have been by means of processes not then generally available or accepted, unreasonably expensive or impractical; or likely to have caused damage to or loss in value to the Property (in Charles Miller Ltd's reasonable opinion); or
(iii) there has been no material loss in value of the Property from its value had it accorded with its catalogue description.
To claim under this Guarantee, the Buyer must:-
(i) notify Charles Miller Ltd in writing within one (1) month of receiving any information that causes the Buyer to question the authenticity or attribution of the Property, specifying the lot number, date of the auction at which it was purchased and the reasons why it is believed to be Counterfeit; and
(ii) return the Property to Charles Miller Ltd in the same condition as at the date of sale and be able to transfer good title in the Property, free from any third party claims arising after the date of the sale.
Charles Miller Ltd has discretion to waive any of the above requirements. Charles Miller Ltd may require the Buyer to obtain at the Buyer's cost the reports of two independent and recognised experts in the relevant field and acceptable to Charles Miller Ltd. Charles Miller Ltd shall not be bound by any reports produced by the Buyer, and reserves the right to seek additional expert advice at its own expense. In the event Charles Miller Ltd decides to rescind the sale under this Guarantee, it may refund to the Buyer the reasonable costs of up to two mutually approved independent expert reports, provided always that the costs of such reports have been approved in advance and in writing by Charles Miller Ltd.
Conditions of Business for Buyers
1. Introduction
(a) The contractual relationship of Charles Miller Ltd. and Sellers with prospective Buyers is governed by:-
(i) these Conditions of Business for Buyers;
(ii) the Conditions of Business for Sellers displayed in the saleroom and available from Charles Miller Ltd.;
(iii) Charles Miller Ltd.'s Authenticity Guarantee;
(iv) any additional notices and terms printed in the sale catalogue, in each case as amended by any saleroom notice or auctioneer's announcement.
(b) As auctioneer, Charles Miller Ltd. acts as agent for the Seller. Occasionally, Charles Miller Ltd. may own or have a financial interest in a lot.
2. Definitions
"Bidder" is any person making, attempting or considering making a bid, including Buyers;
"Buyer" is the person who makes the highest bid or offer accepted by the auctioneer, including a Buyer's principal when bidding as agent;
"Seller" is the person offering a lot for sale, including their agent, or executors;
"CNM" means Charles Miller Ltd, Auctioneers, Suite 6 Imperial Studios, 3/11 Imperial Road, London, SW6 2AG, company number 6282355.
"Buyer's Expenses" are any costs or expenses due to Charles Miller Ltd. from the Buyer;
"Buyer's Premium" is the commission payable by the Buyer on the Hammer Price at the rates set out in the Guide for Prospective Buyers;
"Hammer Price" is the highest bid for the Property accepted by the auctioneer at the auction or the post auction sale price;
"Purchase Price" is the Hammer Price plus applicable Buyer's Premium and Buyer's Expenses;
"Reserve Price" (where applicable) is the minimum Hammer Price at which the Seller has agreed to sell a lot.
The Buyer's Premium, Buyer's Expenses and Hammer Price are subject to VAT, where applicable.
3. Examination of Lots
(a) CNM's knowledge of lots is partly dependent on information provided by the Seller and CNM is unable to exercise exhaustive due diligence on each lot. Each lot is available for examination before sale. Bidders are responsible for carrying out examinations and research before sale to satisfy themselves over the condition of lots and accuracy of descriptions.
(b) All oral and/or written information provided to Bidders relating to lots, including descriptions in the catalogue, condition reports or elsewhere are statements of CNM's opinion and not representations of fact. Estimates may not be relied on as a prediction of the selling price or value of the lot and may be revised from time to time at CNM's absolute discretion.
4. Exclusions and limitations of liability to Buyers
(a) CNM shall refund the Purchase Price to
the Buyer in circumstances where it deems that the lot is a Counterfeit, subject to the terms of CNM's Authenticity Guarantee.
(b) Subject to Condition 4(a), neither CNM nor the Seller:-
(i) is liable for any errors or omissions in any oral or written information provided to Bidders by CNM, whether negligent or otherwise;
(ii) gives any guarantee or warranty to Bidders and any implied warranties and conditions are excluded (save in so far as such obligations cannot be excluded by English law), other than the express warranties given by the Seller to the Buyer (for which the Seller is solely responsible) under the Conditions of Business for Sellers;
(iii) accepts responsibility to Bidders for acts or omissions (whether negligent or otherwise) by CNM in connection with the conduct of auctions or for any matter relating to the sale of any lot.
(c) Without prejudice to Condition 4(b), any claim against CNM and/ or the Seller by a Bidder is limited to the Purchase Price for the relevant lot. Neither CNM nor the Seller shall be liable for any indirect or consequential losses.
(d) Nothing in Condition 4 shall exclude or limit the liability of CNM or the Seller for death or personal injury caused by the negligent acts or omissions of CNM or the Seller.
5. Bidding at Auction
(a) CNM has absolute discretion to refuse admission to the auction. Before sale, Bidders must complete a Registration Form and supply such information and references as CNM requires. Bidders are personally liable for their bid and are jointly and severally liable with their principal, if bidding as agent (in which case CNM's prior and express consent must be obtained).
(b) CNM advises Bidders to attend the auction, but CNM will endeavour to execute absentee written bids provided that they are, in CNM's opinion, received in sufficient time and in legible form.
(c) When available, written and telephone bidding is offered as a free service at the Bidder's risk and subject to CNM's other commitments; CNM is therefore not liable for failure to execute such bids. Telephone bidding may be recorded.
6. Import, Export and Copyright Restrictions
CNM and the Seller make no representations or warranties as to whether any lot is subject to import, export or copyright restrictions. It is the Buyer's sole responsibility to obtain any copyright clearance or any necessary import, export or other licence required by law, including licences required under the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
7. Conduct of the Auction
(a) The auctioneer has discretion to refuse bids, withdraw or re-offer lots for sale (including after the fall of the hammer) if (s)he believes that there may be an error or dispute, and may also take such other action as (s)he reasonably deems necessary.
(b) The auctioneer will commence and advance the bidding in such increments as (s)he considers appropriate and is entitled to place bids on the Seller's behalf up to the Reserve Price for the lot, where applicable.
(c) Subject to Condition 7(a), the contract between the Buyer and the Seller is concluded on the striking of the auctioneer's hammer.
(d) Any post-auction sale of lots shall incorporate these Conditions of Business.
8. Payment and Collection
(a) Unless otherwise agreed in advance, payment of the Purchase Price is due in pounds sterling immediately after the auction (the "Payment Date").
(b) Title in a lot will not pass to the Buyer until CNM has received the Purchase Price in cleared funds. CNM will generally not release a lot to a Buyer before payment. Earlier release shall not affect passing of title or the Buyer's obligation to pay the Purchase Price, as above.
(c) The refusal of any licence or permit required by law, as outlined in Condition 6, shall not affect the Buyer's obligation to pay for the lot, as per Condition 8(a).
(d) The Buyer must arrange collection of lots within 10 working days of the auction. Purchased lots are at the Buyer's risk from the earlier of
(i) collection or
(ii) 10 working days after the auction. Until risk passes, CNM will compensate the Buyer for any loss or damage to the lot up to a maximum of the Purchase Price actually paid by the Buyer. CNM's assumption of risk is subject to the exclusions detailed in Condition 5(d) of the Conditions of Business for Sellers.
(e) All packing and handling of lots is at the Buyer's risk. CNM will not be liable for any acts or omissions of third party packers or shippers.
9. Remedies for non-payment
Without prejudice to any rights that the Seller may have, if the Buyer without prior agreement fails to make payment for the lot within 5 working days of the auction, CNM may in its sole discretion exercise 1 or more of the following remedies:-
(a) store the lot at its premises or elsewhere at the Buyer's sole risk and expense;
(b) cancel the sale of the lot;
(c) set off any amounts owed to the Buyer by CNM against any amounts owed to CNM by the Buyer for the lot;
(d) reject future bids from the Buyer;
(e) charge interest at 4% per annum above HSBC Bank plc Base Rate from the Payment Date to the date that the Purchase Price is received in cleared funds;
(f) re-sell the lot by auction or privately, with estimates and reserves at CNM's discretion, in which case the Buyer will be liable for any shortfall between the original Purchase Price and the amount achieved on re-sale, including all costs incurred in such re-sale;
(g) Exercise a lien over any Buyer's Property in CNM's possession, applying the sale proceeds to any amounts owed by the Buyer to CNM. CNM shall give the Buyer 14 days' written notice before exercising such lien;
(h) commence legal proceedings to recover the Purchase Price for the lot, plus interest and legal costs;
(i) disclose the Buyer's details to the Seller to enable the Seller to commence legal proceedings
10. Failure to collect purchases
(a) If the Buyer pays the Purchase Price but does not collect the lot within 20 working days of the auction, the lot will be stored at the Buyer's expense and risk at CNM's premises or in independent storage
(b) If a lot is paid for but uncollected within 6 months of the auction, following 60 days' written notice to the Buyer, CNM will re-sell the lot by auction or privately, with estimates and reserves at CNM's discretion. The sale proceeds, less all CNM's costs, will be forfeited unless collected by the Buyer within 2 years of the original auction.
11. Data Protection
(a) CNM will use information supplied by Bidders or otherwise obtained lawfully by CNM for the provision of auction related services, client administration, marketing and as otherwise required by law.
(b) By agreeing to these Conditions of Business, the Bidder agrees to the processing of their personal information and to the disclosure of such information to third parties world-wide for the purposes outlined in Condition 11(a) and to Sellers as per Condition 9(i).
12. Miscellaneous
(a) All images of lots, catalogue descriptions and all other materials produced by CNM are the copyright of CNM.
(b) These Conditions of Business are not assignable by any Buyer without CNM's prior written consent, but are binding on Bidders' successors, assigns and representatives.
(c) The materials listed in Condition 1(a) set out the entire agreement between the parties.
(d) If any part of these Conditions of Business be held unenforceable, the remaining parts shall remain in full force and effect.
(e) These Conditions of Business shall be interpreted in accordance with English Law, under the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts, in favour of CNM.
